Effect of Local Temperature during Service On the Strength of Concrete

• Main Authors: Hamouine A, Benoudjafar I, Merbouh M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: EDP Sciences 2012-09-01
• Series: MATEC Web of Conferences
• Subjects: Concrete; temperature changes; thermal environment; hot or cold; strength and performance
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/matecconf/20120204001

The role of local temperatures during service is significant or very significant, considering the safety margins provides for in the design of the structures in hot regions, worsening with severe weather conditions for hardening. In this context, data on the behaviour of concrete at service temperatures are needed for predicting the safety of buildings in different regions of the world. The present work aims to study the sensitivity of hydraulic concrete in its thermal environment, such as cold regions, moderate and hot. A thermal room was designed to simulate and to stabilize the temperatures of different regions. Using three different compositions, based on local materials with different sands, is shown that the performance of concrete falling from a dramatically with increasing temperature from −15 to 60 °C. The changes in strength are presented, quantified and compared with those obtained in normal temperatures. The impact on the performance and life of structures in these areas are important, which involves the necessity of taking into account the risks caused by geoclimatic conditions in the structural design.